Discover St. Paul — the arts and culture capital of the Midwest — and experience the intimate charm of this savvy capital city. From welcoming, tree-lined neighborhoods to the superb architecture of the State Capitol and St. Paul’s Cathedral, be mesmerized by the city’s tumultuous, Prohibition-era gangster history and its rise to political prowess. Traverse the renowned skywalks, explore the city of F. Scott Fitzgerald, experience one of the largest interactive history centers in the U.S. and tread Summit Avenue among lavish homes built by railroad and lumber barons.

Highlights

• Explore the exquisite and historically rich Minnesota State Capitol, known as one of the most beautiful Capitols in the U.S. • Discover the treasure of architecturally-rich Summit Avenue, the longest expanse of Victorian homes in the U.S.• Marvel at the stunning view of St. Paul from the exquisite Saint Paul Cathedral, where you admire treasures of art, history and Beaux Arts architecture.

Activity Particulars

Walking up to four miles; standing during field trips.

Includes a bus pass to travel about the city during your free time.This program is designed to be taken in conjunction with “Signature City Minneapolis: Great Art, Architecture, Theatre and Music” (#19681).

Date Specific Information

9-24-2013

Performance at the Park Square Theatre: "Good People." For a 5 night pre-program Signature City Minneapolis program starting on Sep 17, see program #19681 at www.roadscholar.org/19681

Coordinated by Road Scholar.

St. Paul

St. Paul’s importance as a site for settlement can be traced to the last ice age, when the Mississippi and Minnesota rivers were joined. As one-half of Minneapolis-Saint Paul, the country’s 15th-largest municipal area, it is the seat of Minnesota state government and boasts highly regarded institutions of the fine arts and Native American history.

Meals and Lodgings

Crowne Plaza St. Paul

Saint Paul, MN

3 nights

Crowne Plaza St. Paul

Type:

Full Service Hotel

Description:

Conveniently located in the heart of St. Paul's downtown retail and business district and near the Mississippi River. The hotel offers and indoor skyway to adjacent retail space, restaurants, businesses and government centers.

contact hotel To make reservations before and after the program, contact the Crowne Plaza by phone at 651-292-1900. Be sure to mention that you are with the Road Scholar group. We encourage you to look at additional nights at your earliest convenience as it is possible that the hotel may sell out.

Check in time:

3:00 PM

Additional nights after:

contact hotel To make reservations before and after the program, contact the Crowne Plaza by phone at 651-292-1900. Be sure to mention that you are with the Road Scholar group. We encourage you to look at additional nights at your earliest convenience as it is possible that the hotel may sell out.

Check out time:

12:00 PM

Travel Details

Start
of Program:
Hotel check in begins at 3:00 PM. Program registration begins at 3:30 PM. Orientation begins at 4:15 PM. You will be staying at Crowne Plaza St. Paul that night.

End
of Program:
10:30 AM after a morning presentation. Hotel check out by 12:00 PM. You will be staying at Crowne Plaza St. Paul the night before.

Travel Details

St. Paul

From Airport

Service:

Per Person/One Way:

$14 one way, per personPrices are subject to change.

Travel Time:

Time varies due to traffic and ride share

Distance:

10 miles

Upon arrival, follow the signs to the lower level baggage claim and collect your luggage.
For Terminal 1 arrivals, follow the signs for "Hotel Shuttles and Scheduled Vans" to the SuperShuttle ticket counter located in the center of the Ground Transportation Atrium. For Terminal 2 arrivals, use the ground-level crosswalk or second-level Skyway to proceed to the Ground Transportation Center, located directly across the street from Terminal 2.
Visit www.supershuttle.com for more information.

St. Paul - Crowne Plaza

From Airport

Service:

Taxi

Per Person/One Way:

$35 - $40Prices are subject to change.

Travel Time:

20 minutes (could vary due to traffic)

Distance:

10 miles

Taxi service at the Lindbergh Terminal is accessible via the Tram Level. Signs direct passengers one level up to the cab starter booth, where airport staff will assist passengers in obtaining a taxi. At the Humphrey Terminal, taxi service is available at the Humphrey Ground Transport Center, which is located in the Humphrey Parking ramp on Level 1.
A $6.50 fare will be displayed on the meter at the onset of your trip. This fee includes a $2.50 flag drop and a $4 airport access fee.

St. Paul - Crowne Plaza

From Train Station

Service:

Taxi

Distance:

6 miles

The Amtrak station, Midway Station, is located at 730 Transfer Road in St. Paul, approximately 6 miles from the hotel. For more information on fares and schedules, contact Amtrak at 1-800-872-7245 or visit www.amtrak.com. Catch a taxi from the station to the hotel.

St. Paul - Crowne Plaza

From Bus Terminal

Service:

Taxi

The Greyhound bus station is located at 950 Hawthorne Ave in Minneapolis, 11 miles from the hotel. Take a taxi to the hotel.
*If you booked your final destination as St. Paul, your ticket may include a transfer to Jefferson bus lines which would bring you to Union Depot in St. Paul, less than 1/2 mile from the hotel.
For information on fares and schedule, contact Greyhound at 1-800-231-2222 or visit www.greyhound.com.

Take I-494 East to Highway 5 (7th Street). Follow Highway 5 to downtown St. Paul. Turn right/east onto Kellogg Boulevard. At the third stoplight, turn left/north onto Wabasha Street. The hotel will be on your right.

Crowne Plaza (St. Paul, MN) from the east (Wisconsin)

Take I-94 west. Take exit 243 Kellogg Blvd. Take Kellogg Blvd. to Wabasha Street.Turn right on Wabasha 1/2 block to hotel parking entrance on right.

Crowne Plaza (St. Paul, MN) from the north

Take I-35E south to the 10th/Wacouta exit 107A. Stay on 10th Street. Turn right on 10th Street after exit and continue to Jackson Street. Turn right onto Kellogg Blvd., right on Wabasha 1/2 block to hotel parking entrance on right.

Crowne Plaza (St. Paul, MN) from the south (Iowa)

Take I-35E north to the Kellogg Blvd. exit 106B. Turn right onto Kellogg Blvd. after exit and continue to Wabasha Street. Turn left 1/2 block to hotel parking entrance on the right.

Crowne Plaza (St. Paul, MN) from the west (Minneapolis)

Take I-94 east. Take exit 241A Kellogg Blvd. Turn right on Kellogg to Wabasha. Turn left on Wabasha 1/2 block to hotel parking entrance on right.

The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.

Daily Schedule

Day 1:

Orientation/ Welcome Dinner/ Gangster History(Tuesday, September 24)

Afternoon:

HOTEL CHECK-IN: From 3:00 PM

PROGRAM REGISTRATION: Registration begins at 3:30 P.M.

ORIENTATION begins at 4:15 P.M. We’ll have an informative overview of the program plus an opportunity to meet the program staff and your fellow participants during an introductory get-acquainted session. We’ll review the schedule, noting any changes or particular highlights, discuss safety guidelines, responsibilities, emergency procedures, Q&A, and talk a bit about what’s going on in St. Paul this week.

Road Scholar’s FLEX programs are designed for independent-minded participants who want high quality educational content in a structured framework with more free time than our traditional all-inclusive programs. In this City Highlights program, you will have expert-led presentations and field trips that showcase some of St. Paul’s most notable features. The program includes two meals per day so you can enjoy local dining out on your own for lunch or dinner (depending on the day) as well as a significant amount of free time for personal independent exploration.

Your welcome packet has suggestions for free time activities and dining options, and the Group Leader will be happy to offer recommendations.

During free time, the Group Leader will be available to lead optional informal activities and/or dining out experiences that you are welcome to join at your own cost if you like. Please don’t hesitate to ask if you have any questions.

Your program fee includes a 3-day unlimited city bus pass which will allow you to travel throughout the city via bus during your stay.

Dinner:

Enjoy a sumptuous dinner at our hotel tonight.

Begin getting to know your fellow participants and find out what interest you share in addition to your love of learning.

Evening:

Start off with a bang this evening as Edna the Kissing Bandit joins us, bringing to life St. Paul’s colorful history through the tumultuous era of gangsters and prohibition. From Dillinger to Baby Face Nelson and of course, Ma Barker….literally most notorious criminals in the country holed up in “safe” St. Paul in the 1930’s.

Exquisite Architecture – the Minnesota State Capitol / Fascinating History – Minnesota History Center(Wednesday, September 25)

Breakfast:

Breakfast at the hotel.

Morning:

Note: Today will be a more active day; although we will travel by taxi to various sites- there will be extensive standing on the fieldtrips.

Begin at the exquisite Minnesota State Capitol building, inspired by St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, set in a landscaped campus filled with fascinating monuments and memorials. Considered one of the most beautiful Capitol buildings in the nation, magnificent both inside and out, its marble dome is second only in size to that of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome.

Our guide unravels a fascinating historical panorama from the Capitol’s early days to current political doings! Enjoy a behind-the-scenes architecture field trip. For the undaunted, climb up the 83 stairs to view the bronze chariot sculpture covered in gold leaf called the “Quadriga” over the main entrance which looks out over the city below (weather permitting).

Walk a few blocks then to another major landmark, the Cathedral of Saint Paul with treasures of art, history and Beaux Arts architecture. Dominating the St. Paul skyline and situated atop a bluff overlooking the Mississippi River, the Cathedral was designed in 1905 by Emmanuel Louis Masqueray, a French architect whose commission was to create a modern building, perfect in its acoustics and all other details.

Lunch:

Travel a short distance to the Minnesota History Center where we will stop for lunch.

Afternoon:

The Minnesota History Center is one of the largest historical centers in the U.S. with subjects as diverse as Charles Lindberg, Spam, wartime Minnesota, ice fishing and butter sculptures from the Minnesota Fair.

The Center is captivating as you “experience history” in this highly interactive museum. Step in to the Tornado House to relive an actual tornado passing over your “house”….an unforgettable experience.

Then enjoy a special opportunity to go behind-the-scenes for a peek at the restoration and preservation work taking place in the Center’s underground archives housing one million artifacts.

Later in the afternoon, depart either to the hotel or off for the rest of the afternoon and evening to explore on your own! Our group leader will have suggestions for you for your explorations, and will also be continuing on herself to one of her favorite intriguing places. Join her if you prefer or head off on your own explorations!

Dinner:

Dinner on your own to explore the many dining options in St. Paul! Sample some of the wonderful ethnic cuisine for a special treat!

Evening:

Evening free time to experience your special places you would like to see!

Depart this morning to view another major landmark, the Cathedral of Saint Paul. On our guided field trip, you'll delight in the treasures of art, history and Beaux Arts architecture found here.

Dominating the St. Paul skyline and situated atop a bluff overlooking the Mississippi River, the Cathedral was designed in 1905 by Emmanuel Louis Masqueray, a French architect whose commission was to create a modern building, perfect in its acoustics and all other details.

Later in the morning we'll enjoy a walk along Summit Avenue with its incredible expanse of Victorian mansions built over a century ago... 5 miles of stunning architectural beauty (we won't walk all 5 miles!).

Learn about the lumber barons and railroad millionaires ….and F. Scott Fitzgerald who all lived here.
Explore the James J. Hill House, one of the mansions from the Gilded Age on this “longest expanse of Victorian architecture in the U.S.” Hill, builder of the Great Northern Railway, became one of the wealthiest Individuals in the U.S. His home features beautiful wood paneling and stained glass and the first private art gallery in Minnesota.

Lunch:

On your own to explore one of the many delightful dining options in St. Paul. A city of great ethnic diversity, you’ll have a great opportunity to try new cuisine! Maybe you’ll want to make your way to the Hmong Market for a sample of their fascinating cuisine and take in the charm of their culture.

Afternoon:

Time this afternoon on your own to explore those places you learned about yesterday but didn’t get to yet! Our group leader will be ready to go again this afternoon to lead those of you who want to join her into new adventures.

Dinner:

Gather together for dinner tonight at Pazzaluna, one of our local favorite restaurants.

Evening:

Head over after dinner to the Park Square Theatre, an intimate yet elegant progressive theatre, one of the most well-known in the Twin Cities. Get ready for an exciting production tonight. With the superb sightlines and acoustics, you are set for a great suspense-filled evening of fun! Performance: "Good People."

Gather with our group this morning to learn more about the city of today and tomorrow with a representative from the Mayor’s Office. You’ll come away wanting to know more, fascinated with the savvy and charm of this Capital City!

Then we’ll say our “goodbyes” as we each head off this afternoon….maybe you’ll yet make a stop at Garrison Keillor’s bookstore….or Mickey’s Diner…or check out Indian Mounds! Maybe you’ll just have to come back to savor some more of St. Paul's charm another time!

Meals
Included:

Breakfast

Free Time Opportunities

Saint Paul, MN

Common Good BooksGarrison Keillor is the proprietor of this gem of a bookstore located at 38 South Snelling Avenue near Grand in St. Paul. The bookstore holds many special events. The motto is, “live local, read large.”
Call 651 -225- 8989 or visit www.commongoodbooks.com. For additional information, visit www.commongoodbooks.com

Como Park Zoo & Conservatory
The Como Park Zoo & Conservatory is operated by the Saint Paul Parks and Recreation Department. The zoo features a seal island, a large cat exhibit, a variety of aquatic life, primates, birds, African hoofed animals and a world class polar bear exhibit.

The Marjorie McNeely Conservatory is a half acre indoor and outdoor facility with a number of different wings dedicated to a variety of plant life including bonsai trees, ferns, orchids and seasonal flowers.
Information from www.comozooconservatory.org. For additional information call 651-487-8200 or visit their website. For additional information, visit www.comozooconservatory.org

Fitzgerald Theater
Fitzgerald Theater is Minnesota Public Radio’s largest broadcast studio, with airwaves reaching millions of people tuned in to “A Prairie Home Companion.” The theater seats 1000 and has artists, authors and radio host programs creating intellectually stimulating programs that delight and enlighten the vast public radio community. The Fitzgerald is St. Paul’s oldest theater and celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2010. The address is 10 East Exchange Street, St. Paul.
Phone 651 -290- 1200 or visit www.fitzgeraldtheater.publicradio.org. For additional information, visit www.fitzgeraldtheater.publicradio.org

Grand Avenue from Dale to Cleveland
Looking for things to do in the Twin Cities? Look no further than Grand Avenue, St. Paul. Experience a small town feel in the big city, where charming traditions mingle with a modern lifestyle. Home to specialty businesses, many family owned and run. For additional information, visit www.grandave.com

Guthrie Theater
While the Guthrie Theater's mission and artistic excellence have remained constant, much has changed over the past four decades. What began as a summer season of four productions supported by a minimal staff is now a complex organization employing more than 900 people per year. As the Guthrie entered the millennium, plans began to build a new multistage theater center on the banks of the Mississippi River. It opened June 25, 2006, and the complex includes three stages: a classic thrust stage for the grand-scale classics of the centuries, a proscenium stage for the more intimate classics of this century, and a studio theater for developing the classics of tomorrow.
Information from www.guthrietheater.org. For additional information call 612-225-6000 or visit their website. For additional information, visit www.guthrietheater.org

Landmark Center
Landmark Center serves as a cultural center for music, dance, theater, exhibitions, public forums and hosts countless special events. Houses the American Association of Woodturners Gallery, the Schubert Club musical instrument museum and the Ramsey County Historical Society.
Call 651-292-3225 or visit www.landmarkcenter.org. For additional information, visit www.landmarkcenter.org

Mall of America
As one of the most visited tourist destinations in the world, Mall of America features 520 stores, 50 restaurants and attractions galore, including Nickelodeon Universe, the nation's largest theme park. Plus, there's no sales tax on clothing or shoes in Minnesota!
Information from www.mallofamerica.com. For additional information call 952-883-8800 or visit their website. For additional information, visit www.mallofamerica.com

Minneapolis Institute of Arts
In 1883, twenty-five citizens of Minneapolis founded the Minneapolis Society of Fine Arts, committing them to bringing the arts into the life of their community. More than a century later, the museum they created, the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, stands as a monument to a remarkable history of civic involvement and cultural achievement.
The MIA's permanent collection has grown from eight hundred works of art to around eighty thousand objects. The MIA has seven curatorial areas: Arts of Africa & the Americas; Contemporary Art; Decorative Arts, Textiles & Sculpture; Asian Art; Paintings; Photography and New Media; Prints and Drawings; and Textiles.
Information from www.artsmia.org. For additional information call 612-870-3131 or visit their website. For additional information, visit www.artsmia.org

Penumbra Theatre
Penumbra Theatre was founded in 1975 by Lou Bellamy to create a forum for African-American voices in the Twin Cities’ well-respected theater community. Through its commitment to provide realistic, inspirational works that redefine the consciousness of its audience, the Penumbra quickly garnered praise and a loyal following.
Over the years that followed, Penumbra has achieved national recognition for its quality productions and leadership role in launching the career of many respected playwrights, including two-time Pulitzer Prize winner August Wilson.
Address is 270 North Kent Street, St. Paul.
Call 651-224-3180 or visit www.penumbratheatre.org. For additional information, visit www.penumbratheatre.org

Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.

Suggested Reading List

John Dillinger Slept Here

Author: Paul Maccabee

Description: This book is based on more than 100,000 pages of FBI files and wiretaps, prison and police records, and mob confessions and makes for a fascinating history of St. Paul. Crime historian Paul Maccabee takes you inside the bank robberies, gangland assassinations, and police intrigue of St. Paul's 1920s and1930s gangster era.

Lake Wobegon Days

Author: Garrison Keillor

This Side of Paradise

Author: F. Scott Fitzgerald

James J. Hill, Empire Builder of the Northwest

Author: Michael P. Malone

Description: Biography of James J. Hill, the "Empire Builder"-so called for his work in developing the region of the United States between the Great Lakes and the Pacific Northwest.

Freedom

Author: Jonathan Franzen

Description: The story of a family life in St. Paul filled with family secrets--clandestine loves, lies, compromises, and failures.

You can't find a better value than Road Scholar.

As a not-for-profit organization, we are dedicated to providing all-inclusive educational programs at great value. From lectures to gratuities to field trips to accommodations - the tuition you pay up front is all that you pay.

Specifically, this program includes:

3 nights accommodations

6 meals:
3 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 2 dinners

Expert-led lectures: 2

Expert-led lectures

Led by one or more of our world-class instructors, typically in a classroom setting, lectures come in the form of presentations, discussions or workshops and offer expert insight into your area of study.

Field trips: 4

Field trips

The world is your classroom, as you're on location with an instructor to pursue your educational theme firsthand.

Hands-on experiences: 1

Hands-on experiences

Learn by doing in these "hands-on" activities directed by an expert.

Performances: 1

Performances

A performance can range from a night at the opera to a visit from a local performer at your hotel.

Plus these special experiences...

Explore the exquisite and historically rich Minnesota State Capitol, known as one of the most beautiful Capitols in the U.S.

Stroll along Summit Avenue, the longest expanse of Victorian Homes in the U.S. and spend a little time in one of the finest!

Marvel at the stunning view of St. Paul from the exquisite Saint Paul Cathedral with its treasures of art, history and Beaux Arts architecture.

Recall St. Paul’s colorful history from pioneer days through the tumultuous era of gangsters and prohibition - meet Edna the Kissing Bandit.

View the Daily Schedule to see more

And included with all Road Scholar programs:

Learning led by expert instructors who are authorities in the field of study.

An experienced Group Leader attuned to the needs of Road Scholar participants.

Customary gratuities throughout the program that you would normally pay yourself.